Summary

Based on the classification of hyoid bone into hyperbola-, parabola-, and horseshoe-shaped types, conditions were simulated under planar and punctiform ventral force as well as in case of strangulation in photoelastic experiment. The results thus obtained were compared to those from former investigations in the field of bone tissue density. Hence, each hyoid type shows characteristic patterns of lesion of its own. The patterns of fractures and localizations which had been expected theoretically could be verified when compared to lesions that occurred in vital state. Then it turned out that horizontal fractures were typical of lesions of hyperbolic hyoid bones and vertical fractures of the cornu maius typical of lesions of parabolic hyoid bones.